On Friday, August 12, 2022, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board ruled on charges for attorney discipline against Flint attorney Richard A. Sabo, Jr for allegations of holding funds other than client or third person funds related to a representation in an IOLTA.
The case was brought by Grievance Administrator under case #22-29-GA.
The charges cited Sabo’s violation of 1.15(d) and 8.4(a) of Michigan’s Rule of Professional Conduct, which provides:
A lawyer shall hold property of clients or third persons in connection with a representation separate from the lawyer’s own property. All client or third person funds shall be deposited in an IOLTA or non-IOLTA account. Other property shall be identified as such and appropriately safeguarded.
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to: (a) violate or attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, knowingly assist or induce another to do so, or do so through the acts of another.
According to the filing,
“Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline, pursuant to MCR9.115(F(5), that was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel. Based upon respondent’s admissions as set forth in the parties’ stipulation, the panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct when he negligently placed personal funds into his IOLTA while the IOLTA also contained client funds.
Specifically, and in accordance with the parties’ stipulation, the panel found that respondent held funds other than client or third person funds related to a representation in an IOLTA, in violation of MRPC1.15(d); and, engaged in conduct in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, in violation of MRPC8.4(a).”
In accordance with the stipulation of the parties, the hearing panel ordered that respondent be reprimanded. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,253.71.”
Sabo practices in Grand Blanc, Michigan. He has been licensed in Michigan.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
